OCCURRENCE OF THE MUSCLES IMBALANCES WITHIN ADOLESCENT HANDBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

Background: The aim of our study was to test and compare the appearance of muscle imbalances of the musculoskeletal system in children who play handball compared to children who do not play sports.

The sample: The research sample consisted of 40 adolescents.    
Materials and Methods: The research group was divided into a handball group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The test consisted of the examination of shortened muscles according to Janda, the examination of weakened muscles according to Janíková and examination of joint hypermobility according to Sachse.  

Results: A higher incidence of muscle imbalances was found in both the handball and control groups. Statistically significant differences were found in favour of the handball group in the balance tests (p = 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found in the dx upper extremity dx. according Janíková test (p = 0.014) in favour of the handball group. During examination of muscle quadratus lumborum dx. (p = 0.005) and sin. (p = 0.011) a significant difference was found in favour of the control group. In the Janíková reading test (p = 0.017), the elbow joint extension test (p = 0.004) and the knee joint hyperextension test (p = 0.023), we observed a statistically significant difference in favour of the control group.    
Conclusion: In the study, a higher incidence of muscle imbalances was found in the handball group; on the other hand, the high incidence of muscle imbalances has been observed in the control group.